Tibetans in Sydney cancel Dalai Lama Nobel commemoration event

President of the Central Tibetan Administration Lobsang Sangay offers prayer holding a traditional bowl of sweet rice during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile in Dharamshala, India, on 1 December 2018.
Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal

By Lobsang Wangyal

McLEOD GANJ, India, 1 December 2018

The Tibetan community in Sydney will not celebrate the 29th anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize on the Dalai Lama due to squabbles over the visit of the President of the Central Tibetan Administration to the event.

The cancellation was announced by the executive members of the Tibetan Community of Australia, New South Wales, citing fear of infighting among the Tibetan people in the area after some Tibetans have said they would protest against president Lobsang Sangay.

In a five-page announcement, the members said that they received calls and emails stating that some Tibetans would hold a protest if Lobsang Sangay attended, while others have said they would protest if Sangay was not invited to the event.

“Should there be any ugly scenes, the worst would damage the reputation of the Dalai Lama, and cause immense distress among the Tibetans, particularly in Tibet,” the announcement said.

Sangay is scheduled visit Australia to attend the ‘Thank You Australia’ event in Canberra from 3 to 8 December.

Speaking to Tibet Sun, the President of the Tibetan Community of Australia, NSW, Nigan, said that the executive members received phone calls, emails, and WeChat messages that the protests were because of the ousting of former North America Representative Penpa Tsering. Some had said that there wasn’t any dialogue between Tibetan representatives and the Chinese authorities. A few others had said that the Sangay had not lived up to what he promised during his election campaigns.

In contrast, some people have been calling and saying that they have 400 people with them to protest if the event is held without president Sangay — causing a dilemma to the executive members.

Lhakpa Tshoko, the Representative of the Dalai Lama for Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia at the Tibet Information Office, Canberra, Australia, has written that the cancellation of the event was solely due to president Nigan and a few of his colleagues bearing a personal grudge against president Sangay.

Tshoko has charged Nigan and a few of his colleagues with having instigated some people to write warning letters of protest. His letter on Thursday then stated that all the programmes of president Sangay in Sydney remain cancelled.

In reply to representative Tshoko’s accusations, the executive members denied all the charges and said that the decision was not that of president Nigan and a few members alone. It was decided by all the executive members so as to avoid any ugly scenes among Tibetans during the event before non-Tibetan guests.

They have further asked Tshoko to name the people that have been instigated to write those warning letters. The executive members have contended that levelling accusations without evidence was meant to malign their goodwill and reputation.

Some feared that due to the infighting, the weekend Tibetan Learning Centre, where about 90 children are taught Tibetan language and culture at a local school, could be taken away. Nigan said that there were some who expressed fear about this situation.

There are about 2,300 Tibetans living in Australia. Sydney has the biggest concentration with about 800 living in various suburbs. Other areas with Tibetan population include Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and Perth.

The anniversary of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for the Dalai Lama is commemorated by Tibetans all over the world.

Note: Story updated on 2 December at 3:20 pm IST, correcting paragraph 7, that some people called the executive members, not 400 people.

Comments

There are 17 comments so far.

Do Tibetans not realise that division is precisely what China wants to see in their community, and what stands between them and freedom?

This looks bad in the eyes of Australians.

What is more important, unity for a common cause or division for sectarian struggles? It is not even a choice for division leads to failure.

16.

Kalsang, from Dharamshala, says:on 3 December 2018 at 8:46 am

Lhakpa Tsokho is a good-for-nothing Tibetan official who get all the good positions in the Tibetan community due to kripa of his brother-in-law Chime Chokyapa and Tseten Chokyapa. He is full of controversy wherever he goes just like Lobsang Sangay. It is hard to find honest and hard working officials like Penpa Tsering.

15.

Kerry, from Australia, says:on 3 December 2018 at 7:08 am

Just to be perfectly clear as I realise my first comment could be ambiguous: I hate to see good people being attacked and vilified by others in high places, and the community so divided. Wars are easy. There are clearly deep and longstanding issues. Dialogue with humility on both sides and satisfactory outcomes are surely the goal – the most important teaching of one of the (if not the) world’s greatest peacemakers – and the goal of 21st C education. Is this also not reflective of the global yearning for responsible and ethical governance – with good outcomes for all – as we head precariously and prematurely into the Anthropocene era? A history on infighting and other faults surely helped bring Tibet to its knees. Is this really the best way to proceed? Can a fair and true resolution with authentic outcomes really be impossible?

14.

jangchup, from Japan, says:on 3 December 2018 at 4:49 am

Lhakpa Tshoko destroyed the Dalai Lama Organising Team and now they are in debt. He employed his friends and paid them, he gave away free tickets according to past leader. He is now destroying the Tibetan Community. Who need an enemy when you have people like Lhakpa. SAD.

Dear Chhime la,
I was unsure as to whether I would write this email as it may create some controversy, which is not my aim. But I also felt that you should know some things directly from me, rather than second hand or even not at all. What you choose to do with the information is no concern of mine so please delete it if you feel things I write here are just causing trouble.
I also don’t wish this email to be a personal attack on Lhakpa la. However most of the content relates directly to him and actions he has taken so I have no doubt that it may appear that way. But I have no vendetta against him nor do I have anything personally to achieve by sending you this. In fact it would be easier if my resignation was just a quiet affair, for myself and others. But what I am doing is giving voice to things that have happened so far during Lhakap’s tenure that may never reach your ears and I think it is important that they do.
I am resigning from DLIA which will be effective as of October the 28th which is the date of our AGM.
I would prefer not to resign but I feel I have no choice. I cannot in all good conscience continue in a position on the board. This is because DLIA is an organisation which is there to support the TIO. And supporting the TIO means supporting the representative and as this position is currently held by Lhakpa Tshoko, this I can no longer do.
I have been able to hold both a professional view and a personal view and for the period leading up to His Holiness’ visit I took the position, as did others, that for the sake of a harmonious visit, I would work professionally with Lhakpa even though many times my personal view was in direct opposition. more…..wrote by one of the Board member of DLIA

12.

Kerry, from Australia, says:on 4 December 2018 at 8:34 am

Tenzin Garsi this post has caused bewilderment and consternation in Australia, and no-one seems to know you. You seem to have quoted from what looks like private mail between two people, which could be interpreted as making mischief. Surely with serous issues playing out, and fears ignited, and a community (temporarily) divided, an ethical person would not add fuel to a fire? Tibetans are known to be loyal here, and are to now well-supported as a group. We supporters would like to increase this. With China moving in, and with the support of Chinese friends who are afraid for us, can we not collectively do better than this?

11.

Tashi Dawa says:on 2 December 2018 at 1:33 pm

After about 7 years in office as President, still no country seems to know me as head of Tibetan Government in Exile. Let me start this so called “Thank You World” that way they will know me as the leader of Tibetans in exile. He doesn’t realize that Tibetans have elected a kid who is like an elementary school kid acting as president of a country in a school drama. Mr I who never mention HH name every time he talks about the money he begs from foreign countries. I did everyting for the first time. Former leaders have done nothing. I have done everything for the future Sikyongs also. Now the furure Sikyongs have to thank the world every 10 years and waste all the foreign money and time. This will be your legacy Mr Sikyong.

10.

Tenpa Gyalsten, from Tokyo Japan, says:on 2 December 2018 at 1:11 pm

Some history on this Tibet Representative called Lhakpa Tsokgo. He is a relative of late Kasur Gyari Rinpoche’s wife. Hence, hand-picked as Assistant to Japan Rep Gyari Pema Gyalpo. Chosen over many capable people.
Then he switched his loyalty once Gyari Pema Gyalpo got roiled in corruption issue. Finally when he became Japan rep himself, he divided the Tibetan community along the lines of “you are either with me or with Pema Gyalpo”. He is a known bully.
His main qualification is his brothers-in laws are well connected. Just find out who are his two brothers-in-laws and then you will know where his arrogance is coming from. It is said that many officials and even Speaker Sonam Tenphel just shied away when last time he refused to welcome parliamentary members visit unless it has Lobsang Sangay’s approval. All known facts. This is Symptoms of nepotism at the highest level.

9.

Tashi Dorjee, from Dehradun, says:on 2 December 2018 at 11:32 am

This is totally poor handling by the Representative of CTA, Lhakpa Tshoko. I am amazed at how his letter got shared publicly. You can’t hold unknown people accountable but for Lhakpa Tshoko himself. He should have worked with the Community leaders of Sydney to bring harmony and help work out things. His open criticism of elected community leaders speak of his arrogance. He is a mere deputed official and not elected leader.

He should have respected the sentiments and fear of local community leaders. At the least he or his office could have taken up the responsibility of organising the ceremony himself. What stops him from doing that? He has all the support from CTA!

This is a perfect example of bad judgement on Lhakpa Tshoko’s part and his open letter so blatantly speaks of his blandishment of Lobsang Sangay.

8.

Tsering, from Dharamshala, says:on 2 December 2018 at 10:25 am

It is sad that some Tibetans consider penpa tsering more important than HH the Dalai Lama and CTA. Finding every rue to go against them deserve them to consider themselves as more chinese than Tibetan. CTA has its forum to redress griverence against it in the form of its judiciary system. Those who cause problems to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s Noble Peace Prize are more chinese than Tibetan.

7.

Khampa Warrior, from USA, says:on 2 December 2018 at 9:42 am

It is evident the present fracas goes back to the incidence of firing Penpa Tsering from the Office of Tibet in Washington D.C. by Lobsang Sangay, on spurious charges which is of course not substantiated until now. We do not know ins and out of present situation in Australia but Lobsang Sangay’s main slogans or promises for the initial Sikyong post was Unity, self reliance and innovation. He turned to be the main disrupter of unity amongst the Tibetan Cholkas by coarsely showing his tribal instincts at a Lithang gathering in Dharamsala as early as 2011 and his subsequent antics, which is evident if we glance thru YouTube videos. On the matter of self reliance, he proudly claims credit for getting all the CTA donation money from the U.S. and other countries and lately from Canada. So he turned out to be a champion of beggars. What innovation did he pioneer, there is nothing but a big mouth and false claims. So much for a much flaunted Harvard education. Any other person might have turned much better than him; at least would not have created such a havoc amongst the expatriate Tibetans. Additionally, Lobsang Sangay turned out to be a constant source of thorn to the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for which many Tibetans would never forgive him.

6.

Kerry, from Sydney, says:on 2 December 2018 at 3:33 am

It is sad to see such a welcome group in Australia split so voraciously like this. I think many of the accusations seem baseless and hysteria too quick to ignite, manipulation too easy. It is also turning off long-term injey support at a crucial time when many of us are trying to INCREASE Tibetan immigration. May I also suggest gently that I have worked with people on both sides and neutral and feel sad that specific and reliable people are being attacked and others deeply distressed. Although this all seems to be coming from fear and regionalism (and unhappiness about other matters) it is still playing into China’s hands. Even I can see the wrongful attacks. I appeal to all involved to be calm and wise. Democratic processes and education on this also needs to be addressed. Personal attacks will only continue to do damage. In my objective (and loyal and committed to all) opinion.

5.

Dhundup, from France, says:on 2 December 2018 at 3:31 pm

hey Kerry,

I know you from your visits to Dharamsala. Let me tell you that this LS – PT issue stems primarily from hostilities between two Tibetan refugee groups. They are Shichag Tibetans (born in India) and Sanjor Tibetans (born in Tibet), and there is a state of segregation between them in Dharamsala, and the West too.

Whatever issues hit Tibetan exiles – whether political, social, economic – proponents always team up into their respective side. If they are born in India, they fight on Shichag side. If they are born in Tibet, they fight on Sarjor side.

So the solution? 1. spread awareness of regional accents (Khampa and Amdo). Shichags ridicule Sanjors for their dialects, which breeds resentment.

2. Make Tibetan parliament split 50-50 between Tibetans born in Tibet and Tibetans born in India.

3. Give positions of influence to newcomers from Tibet. Such as chairmanship of RFA Tibet. Newcomers are cut off from jobs that pay well.

4. Distribute donations from the West evenly between shichags and Sanjors. They are meant for both, and possibly, more for the Sanjors. Indian Tibetans are settled immigrants who are already absorbed into mainstream India. So more focus should be on newcomers.

That’s all, my opinion. But Kerry, I think you already know about this mysterious Sarjor-Shichag issue, which was captured in the seminal book: Dharamsala Days, Dharamsala Nights by Pauline Macdonald (2013).

The issues similar to Tibetan community in Australia and New York will repeat itself all over the world, until this sanjor-shichag tension is resolved by CTA.

4.

Tenzin, from America, says:on 3 December 2018 at 1:56 pm

Hi Dhondup, that is very rude to say we should have a 50/50 split between shichag Tibetans and sanjor Tibetans. We should also have some seats in your hypothetical parliament for born in the West Tibetans. We Tibetans born in America, have a certain disdain for the behavior of our fellow Tibetans from India mainly. We hate Bollywood music, and we hate how you always admonish us for speaking English. We also hate how all the Indian Tibetans from “shichags”, control each community around the world. We want to have our say, and we want to be the leaders of the Tibetan community, but the Indian Tibetans will not relinquish their hold on the communities. We are also Tibetans, so it is so rude of you to not include us in your dreamed up parliament.

3.

Kerry, from Australia , says:on 3 December 2018 at 5:22 am

Yes. I am aware and see the very real issues. It all makes me feel sad … I also know some parts as I see the damage being done here – and genuinely tried to warn people. I just want to say that these long term conflicts are not my business -I am just a teacher and friend – but extensive damage to the support movement mentioned here has happened. Insults and obvious bad behaviours and dividing so voraciously must be addressed from the top before the fallout is more damaging. From that point I withdraw.

For those Tibetans who know little about Australia they might feel saddened by the Tibet Sun report and they should. It is the last thing any Tibetan in this time of great upheaval and distress in our lives, we have to hear such an unwelcome news like this.
Australia is a vast continent and there are just a sprinkling of Tibetans across this vast landscape. The feaud that has developed is only in Sydney which is the capital of New South Wales. We, in Western Australia have only 14 Tibetans living here. We are living in complete harmony and are totally devoted to HH The Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration.. We have no issue with anyone and anybody. We are also in contact with HH The Dalai Lama’s Representative in Canberra and have cordial relationship with our Tibet Information Office.